Have you ever been asked to show one of your listings to an online lead?
Have you ever met a potential listing client for the first time at the home you were hoping to list?
Have you ever been in the middle of a buyer or listing appointment and something just felt… off?
WHY SAFETY IS IMPORTANT
Real estate professionals face unique risks that most people don’t consider. Agents regularly meet strangers in empty homes, host public events in unfamiliar spaces, and handle sensitive client information. These situations can make them vulnerable to physical harm, theft, or cybercrime. Safety isn’t just about protecting yourself—it’s about protecting your clients, your reputation, and your business. By making safety a top priority, agents not only reduce personal risk but also demonstrate professionalism, build client trust, and ensure they can continue doing the work they love with confidence and peace of mind.
Today we’re going to talk about staying safe while conducting appointments. Please take notes and please take care.
NEUTRAL TERRITORY
Always meet in a neutral territory, ideally in your office, the first time you meet with somebody. The benefit of meeting in your office is two-fold: you have access to the technology you need for your appointment like computers and photocopiers; and you also have access to witnesses. Introducing your potential client to staff members and colleagues is an automatic deterrent for future possible violations, simply because those colleagues could potentially identify them later.
When setting the stage for your meeting, emphasize that the purpose of meeting in a neutral space is not only practical, but it is to ensure everyone’s safety. Don’t be afraid to tell them that it is a company protocol. Most attorneys or accountants wouldn’t meet in a secluded location, so what makes you any different?
If meeting at a prospect’s home is unavoidable, go in pairs. Consider identifying a safety partner or even an agent who is fresher to our industry that could learn something from coming along to the appointment with you. Don’t go to a stranger’s house alone!
It should go without saying, never host a meeting in your own home.
ASK FOR IDENTIFICATION
When you go to a doctor’s office, they take a photo ID. It shouldn’t be or feel weird to ask to do the same with potential clients. “For safety sake, I’m going to keep a photocopy of your driver’s license on file before we go out into the field.” Trust me, friends, if they push back on this, that’s a big red flag. Use your judgement here. Get the ID.
Quick note on this with my Broker hat on – as soon as your relationship is over, however, make sure you destroy any copies of someone’s personal identification. This doesn’t mean recycling or tossing it in the trash, this means legitimate shredding.
USE AN INTAKE FORM
In addition to copying their photo identification, use an intake form to record their basic information as well as a need analysis. Contact information, emergency contacts, and best means to connect with them are all great ways to not only get to know your potential client, but also to keep a record of who you’re doing business with. NOTE: Whatever intake form you use, make sure it is the same for everyone. Let’s all follow fair housing parameters here, my friends. Everybody gets the same treatment, ok?
IT DOESN’T TAKE MUCH
I know I know I know. Most of you are thinking: “It’ll never happen to me.”
Trust me, I thought the same thing. Let me ask you this, though: How many victims actually think it could happen to them?
Friends, it doesn’t take a lot of extra work to make sure your safety is a priority. Keep your head on the swivel and always watch your six. You’re important and I love you and you need to take care of yourself.
